Finally, an SNL spin-off that works!
It’s POSTER: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING, a savage parody from the sketch comedy group ‘The Lonely Island” taking on today’s musical pop flavors and boy bands.
Justin Bieber anyone?
Style Boyz Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone are at the top of the boy band wave. But Samberg figures he’s above it all and goes solo as white rapper Conner4Real.
So far. So good.
But crisis sets in when Conner’s first solo album tanks and his concert performances are on life support.
Now what?
Frankly I didn’t know what to expect, but this spoof had me, along with the rest of our screening audiences, in stitches.
POPSTAR is more than a parody. It’s a tight rockumentary, much in style of director Rob Reiner’s 1984 send up of the rock scene, THIS IS SPINAL TAP.
Most of the music for this Judd Apatow production was created by The Lonely Island.
(Two of the trio—Schaffer and Taccone—also directed the music goof.)
The supporting cast of Tim Meadows, Sarah Silverman, Schaffer and Taccone are spot on. But a good dose of the hilarity comes courtesy of the dozens of major star cameos used in either documentary fashion or as faces in the crowd.
They range from Ringo Star, Will Arnett and Jimmy Fallon to Simon Cowell, Seal, Bill Hader, Michael Bolton and Martin Sheen. The list goes on and on—and ON!
Does POPSTAR deserve an R-rating? Oh, Yeah! And not just for the lyrics on the soundtrack either.
If I would have to come up with any criticism of the movie it would involve its docu- style of reporting, then switching back and fourth with real scenes.
And the ending comes a bit too abrupt—giving the impression that the filmmakers ran out of material.
POSTER: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING nails its subject matter and does it within a sparse, 86 minutes running time.
The movie is definitely not for everyone.
And you know who you are……
But those in tune will love this smart, edgy send up.
My grade: B
(Reviewed at Cinemark, Merriam)
Jack Goes To The Movies Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
Ever since the Monkees were created in a test tube, those who can’t perform have attempted to mastermind a repeat, even if the original was just good, not great. Yes, Paul McCartney was in a another group before Wings, and yes, Mick Jagger was embalmed two years ago. Many a hard rocker has gone on to country and a little jazz. It’s more enjoyable in front of the fireplace with two fingers of rye. Without the article, I’d have no idea. Thanks.
You had me at “in front of the fireplace with two fingers of rye.”